Welcome to The Curb. A show that’s all about Australian culture, film reviews, interviews, and a whole lot more…
Here, you’ll find discussions with Australian creatives about their work and their role in Australian culture.
To find out more about what this podcast and website is about, head over to this post.
Support The Curb on Patreon, and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Get in contact with us via our email.
More about The Curb (The Website)
At 2019’s Cinefest Oz, someone asked Rachel Ward for advice to her younger self during the Directors Chair discussion. Her response, like her entire talk, was frank and enlightening, stating, “I want to be in an industry where I’m needed and valued.” Ward’s discussion delved into crucial topics, including fostering diversity in the Australian film industry. Additionally, it highlighted the challenge of retaining talent in Australia.
Each successful Australian film often leads its creators to opportunities abroad, leaving the shrinking Australian market. These deep topics warrant exploration, raising the question: should we support a film industry that seems to overlook talents like Rachel Ward?
Self-Reflection
After the talk, I reflected on myself, a common reaction for me. I’ve needed a bio for The Curb, my website. It’s about Culture, Unity, Reviews, and Banter, but what more? What specific culture, unity, reviews, and banter? Furthermore, Rachel Ward’s talk and Cinefest Oz helped clarify my vision for the site.
Since July 1, 2018, I’ve been writing film reviews in this form. Initially, I was inspired to write about film due to a gap in Australian coverage. Moreover, Matt Eeles’s work at Cinema Australia motivated me to focus on lesser-known Aussie films. (To clarify, some write about small Australian films, but not enough.) With this in mind, I focused my writing on these films.
I’ve loved bringing films like “All This Mayhem” and “Strange Colours” to film lovers’ attention. Talking to filmmakers about their work and challenges has been fulfilling. Additionally, knowing my review inspired someone to watch a film brings great joy. Receiving feedback from filmmakers, whether positive or negative, is always appreciated. There’s a sense of validation in knowing your work is read and appreciated.
The Myth
However, the idea that filmmakers lead luxurious lives is a myth. Reading about Australian artists juggling jobs to make a film is disheartening. Yes, making films is a privilege, much like writing about them. I enjoy free film tickets and talking with film creators. Yet, I don’t earn from this website. Likewise, many Australian filmmakers don’t profit from their films. They may get some views on streaming services, but the audience for Australian films is surprisingly small.
The Goal
If there’s one core goal for The Curb, it’s to support Australian filmmakers and artists by expanding their audience. I aim to do this through reviews, articles, interviews, and promoting Australian content. I want to highlight lesser-known films, those struggling to find an audience or get into cinemas. The Curb should remind people why the Australian film industry needs support. I’m committed to making people care about Australian cinema once again.
